Beyond data theft, foreign cyber operatives utilise access to telecommunications networks to prepare for potential destructive cyberattacks or physical sabotage
The Danish Agency for Civil Protection has heightened the cyber espionage threat level for the nation’s telecommunications sector from “medium” to “high,” reflecting escalating concerns over state-sponsored cyber activities targeting European telecom networks.
This elevation follows a series of cyber espionage attempts directed at European telecommunications providers. Civil Protection Minister Torsten Schack Pedersen emphasised the need for heightened vigilance within the industry, stating, “Russia has become more willing to, for example, use hybrid means such as cyberattacks more aggressively. We must be prepared.”
The agency’s assessment identifies state-backed hackers from nations including China, Russia, and Iran as active perpetrators of cyber espionage against the global telecommunications sector. These actors aim to access extensive customer data—encompassing call records, internet usage, and location information—to monitor individuals or groups of interest. For instance, China is noted for its efforts to surveil the Chinese diaspora and dissidents, particularly among minorities such as Uyghurs and Tibetans.
Beyond data theft, foreign cyber operatives utilise access to telecommunications networks to prepare for potential destructive cyberattacks or physical sabotage. The agency notes that Russian state-sponsored hackers have engaged in cyber espionage against Denmark’s critical infrastructure, potentially laying the groundwork for future destructive operations.
The report also highlights economic and technological espionage risks, particularly concerning Denmark’s development and utilisation of advanced technologies within the telecommunications sector. In January 2024, U.S. authorities indicted seven Chinese nationals on charges related to cyber espionage against U.S. targets, including a leading supplier of 5G network equipment, on behalf of China’s Ministry of State Security.
The agency advises that utilising telecommunications and network equipment from countries without security cooperation agreements with Denmark may pose increased security risks. This concern stems from the potential for some states to mandate companies to assist intelligence services, with China cited as an example.
In light of these developments, Danish telecommunications operators and internet service providers are urged to bolster their cybersecurity measures to safeguard critical infrastructure and protect against sophisticated cyber threats.
